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Automatic water heater

How to Stay Safe With Hot Water: A Rundown of Heater Types

Choosing a new water heater for your house can be a pretty big deal for your indoor comfort and your overall safety. Various types of water heaters have pros and cons of their own, particularly when you consider safety.

Tank-Style Water Heaters: The Usual Suspects

These heaters have a big tank that stores hot water. They stand ready for you when you want to take a shower or wash the dishes. One of the nice things about these models is that some can provide a lot of hot water quickly. This is helpful for people who have a large household where a number of people might need hot water simultaneously.

But because they always maintain a reserve of hot water on hand, there’s an ever-present risk of leaking or, in a worst-case scenario, an explosion when the pressure has mounted too high. That’s why most of these heaters are equipped with a pressure relief valve. This is a small part that releases pressure when it gets too high. As a preventative measure, you might want to locate this valve on your unit and check to see that nothing is blocking it. There’s also a possibility that the water temperatures could be too high in the event of a faulty thermostat, increasing the risk of scalding.

Tankless Water Heaters: Demand Heating

Tankless water heaters are unique in that they don’t hold hot water. Instead, they heat water as it’s needed. This can be a big safety boon, as you aren’t maintaining a large, very hot water supply that can leak or burst. And because the water only heats when you need it, you’re much less likely to run out of hot water mid-shower.

Most of these systems operate with either gas or electricity to heat the water. With gas models, it’s important to have the right ventilation. If those byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, aren’t vented outside properly, they can accumulate inside of your home, and that’s a very serious threat. You should have a carbon monoxide detector in your house at all times, especially if you have any gas appliances. Electric tankless models don’t carry that risk, but they can draw a lot of electricity. The wiring in your home must be capable of handling the demand to avoid overloading circuits, leading to a potential fire hazard.

Heat Pump Water Heaters: Energy-Saving Alternatives

These heaters are pretty neat because they don’t produce heat directly; rather, they pick up heat from one place and move it to another — much like a refrigerator running backward. They’re generally more energy-efficient than traditional tank-style heaters, which is great for the environment and your wallet. Safety-wise, they usually don’t have the same risks of leaking or bursting as a large tank heater. But they’re electrical devices, and, as with any electrical product, you want to make sure they’re installed properly. You also want to ensure the wiring is safe so that you don’t get shocked or start a fire. Some models may require particular venting needs to run effectively, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safety.

If you’re not sure which model to choose, speak with a pro. Call JW’s in Indianapolis, IN if you need assistance with water heater repair and replacement.